Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis prodigy, stands on the cusp of greatness, with the potential to claim the world No. 1 ranking, according to Rick Macci, the legendary coach who once guided Serena and Venus Williams. However, Macci believes Gauff’s ascent to the top hinges on transforming one critical aspect of her game: her forehand. With her electrifying speed, unyielding fight, and recent successes, Gauff is a force in women’s tennis, but Macci’s bold advice underscores the fine margins that separate her from the pinnacle. “Because Coco fights and can fly, she never says goodbye,” Macci shared on social media. “Her serve will become her best shot and she [will] contend again for the number one spot. If she is reprogrammed with the more compact, explosive ATP forehand, the Delray Dart will be number one in the land.” As Gauff prepares for the 2026 season, can she make the tweak that could redefine her career?
Gauff’s journey has been a blend of brilliance and growing pains. At just 15, she burst onto the scene by defeating Venus Williams at Wimbledon 2019, and her 2023 US Open title cemented her as a Grand Slam champion. In 2025, she added the China Open and WTA Finals to her resume, finishing the year ranked No. 3, just behind Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. Her career-high No. 2 ranking in June 2024 and eight singles titles highlight her trajectory, but her 2025 US Open fourth-round loss to Naomi Osaka (6-3, 6-2) exposed vulnerabilities. Gauff’s forehand faltered, producing 20 unforced errors in that match, and her second serve led the WTA Tour in double faults, a statistic Macci and others see as a barrier to her dominance.
Macci, a Hall of Fame coach who also worked with Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick, argues that Gauff’s forehand needs a makeover to mirror the compact, explosive style of ATP players. “If she is reprogrammed with the more compact explosive ATP FOREHAND, the Delray Dart will be number one in the land,” he emphasized, pointing to the aggressive, streamlined strokes of male players as a model. This change, he believes, would complement Gauff’s athleticism and mental toughness, allowing her to dictate points rather than rely on her defensive prowess. Her serve, often criticized, is also a focal point. Macci is optimistic, noting, “Her serve will become her best shot,” suggesting that technical refinements could turn it into a weapon.
Gauff’s 2025 season was a tale of resilience. Despite early exits in Qatar and Dubai, she reached the semifinals at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Rome, and the French Open, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest level. Her WTA Finals triumph in Riyadh, earning a record $4.805 million, marked a high point, but her 74 unforced errors and 21 double faults at Indian Wells underscored ongoing technical issues. After parting ways with coach Brad Gilbert in September 2024, Gauff teamed up with grip specialist Matt Daly and biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, sparking an upsurge in form. Yet, Macci insists that a biomechanical overhaul of her forehand is essential to unlock her full potential.
The tennis world is captivated by Gauff’s potential to dominate. Her speed, which Macci calls “number one,” and her mental fortitude, evident in her 2023 US Open run, make her a formidable contender. At 5’9”, she lacks the raw power of players like Sabalenka or Rybakina, but her ability to cover the court and fight through adversity sets her apart. Macci’s vision of an “ATP-style” forehand would enable her to hit through opponents, reducing errors and adding offensive bite. Her recent work with Daly suggests she’s open to change, and a full 2026 pre-season could be pivotal.
As Gauff eyes the top spot, Macci’s words resonate: her fight and flair are undeniable, but refining her forehand could be the key to surpassing Swiatek and Sabalenka. With the tennis community rooting for her, Gauff’s journey is one of promise and precision. Can the “Delray Dart” make the leap? The answer lies in her ability to embrace Macci’s blueprint and turn potential into dominance.
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